3. Wolf: Volume 2

Wolf: Volume 2


  • Chapter 1: Dying alone

    He opened one of his eyes, waking up from an afternoon nap in Jiyyd, near his favorite tree. Yawning, he opened both eyes now, looking over the commons.

    Huh, no one here. He smiled to himself, enjoying the quiet while it lasted. Then, the gates swung open, and a bleeding man ran through town, a hobgoblin axe in the man's shoulder. Wolf sighed, so much for quiet. Then he thought, I worry about quiet, when someone bleeding to death. He went after the man to heal him, but the man had just dissapeared.

    Wolf ended up near the Jiyyd swamp. He had heard of some trolls causing some problems in the swamp, as if the wisps werent enough. He looked down at himself and then noticed something… He appeared to be getting a little weight around the midsection. Patting his belly, he went into the swamp, to clear out the wisps and get excersize. I am getting lazy, he thought, cant prove Raisa right by being fat at our wedding..
    So, he entered for a routine clearing of the wisps. There seemed to be few of them, and they offered little excersize to Wolf. He ventured a bit deeper, to the cave in the back of the swamp. His bare feet were all muddy, but it didnt seem to bother him. He was known as the man without shoes. No shoes were better to him, since it let him feel the earth, the grass between his toes, and the sharp rock he occasionally stepped on.

    Entering the cave, he stepped lightly, though he couldnt sneak passed a deaf and blind dwarf. He accidently kicked a rock with his toe as he lifted his foot to walk another step. As the rock bounced and probably made the loudest noise Wolf ever heard, he also heard gurgling sounds, deeper within the cave. A big green troll came up from the lower level. It instantly spotted Wolf and ran back down. Wolf ran after, determined to get rid of this troublesome troll. This was a fatal choice he made.

    Wolf got to the lower level and saw the troll just standing in the middle of the large, cavern-like room. Making another foolish mistake, he charged it, sword swinging. He diced and slashed it, creating more wounds then it could heal with its regenerating ability. It fell quite quickly.

    He turned to leave and saw two more trolls blocking the exit. More gurgling sounds were heard throughout the cave. Trolls came around from the corners, surrounding Wolf. It was an ambush. They all stood in a circle around Wolf, pointing and growling at him. Wolf stood, his sword and shield raised, ready to defend himself. One of the trolls stepped forward and started to gurgle some strange words. A purple light formed in its hands and then, it stopped and pointed at the druid.

    Wolf was blinded for a second by a flash of light, then he shook it off. He looked up to see the strangest thing. All of his friends were now standing around him. People he knew from around Narfell. Oreth, Fadia, Ragnhild, Lucid, Zoma, Raisa, and many others. This greatly confused him. They just all stood staring at him.

    "Hi?" He said in a weak voice.

    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lucid running at him. Lucid was charging Wolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Wolf just stood there, tilting his head, waiting to see what Lucid was going to do. The elf continued to charge and then rammed his head right into Wolf's chest.

    "Agh!" Wolf flew back, amazed at the skinny elf's strength. The druid landed hard on the rocky ground. He shook his head and then lifted it to look at Lucid. But it wasnt Lucid anymore, it was a troll. Though, all his other friends still remained. The troll that was once Lucid, charged again and rammed its body into Wolf. It was a devestating hit, causing Wolf's sword to fly from his hand and into the murky pool within the cave.

    Suddenly, Ragnhild ran forward. She will help, Wolf thought. But no, the so called Ragnhild charged right at Wolf, ramming herself into him. This blow caused the druid to fly back into the hard rock wall. Ragnhild then grabbed Wolf by the hair and tossed him back into the middle of the circle. Dazed, he looked to Ragnhild, who now was a troll. His armor was now completely useless, it had broken into almost two pieces. His whole body was bloody. He was in terrible condition.

    He stood wobbily and then looked at Raisa. He limped forward, reaching out to her. She just stood there, staring at him, and making no move to attack. He reached to touch her face, but was interrupted by Penny. Penny grabbed Wolf by the throat and lifted him up into the air, off his feet. He choked, grabbing at her small but strong hand. He couldnt do anything to stop her, she was just too strong. Then, her formed turned to that of a troll, along with all the others. The confusion spell had worn off, and had taken its toll on Wolf.

    The troll holding Wolf by the throat, threw him clear across the room. He tumbled, bones cracking throughout his body. He lay on his back, gazing up at the cieling. Every breath was a struggle, every breath was so painful.

    A troll now stood over him, lifting its foot over his head. He uttered two words, which were just a whisper, "Im sorry.." The troll's foot came down and crushed Wolf's skull into many pieces. All the trolls gurgled in delight as the druid died in that crushing blow. They picked up his bloody body and tossed him outside the cave, so the stirges could have something to eat today. The Quercatha Terr staff, the symbol of the Circle Wolf was a part of, flew off his body and into the murky stream, along with much of Wolf's blood…

  • R

    ((bump))


  • Chapter 15: Masha

    THUD

    I looked up. The birds all flew off, away from the glenn I was resting in. I could hear stomping noises coming closer and closer. Something was coming.

    "Get ready!" I shouted, though no one was there with me. I stood staring at the entrance, sword in hand. A tree fell down in before my eyes as a huge figure came into view at the entrance. Steam blew out from random parts of its massive body. Its metal body shining in the sunlight and it made these loud screeching noises as it moved.

    "Fadia?! Raisa? ….anybody?" I shouted for aid against this thing, but no one came. The warmachine blew its gases from its mouth, making anything it touched wither. Then, it charged me…

    I sat up in a sweat... just a dream. Sighing in relief, I looked over... There lay my two girls. The taller one, but not too much taller, was asleep: Raisa. The tiny one wrapped in blankets was stiring and whimpering a little. My daughter, Masha. Not wanting to wake up Raisa, I scooped up the little cub and took her outside the tent, which was within the inner glenn.

    Masha started to cry a little more. Maybe she had a bad dream too. I hummed softly to make her feel better and let her know everything was ok. My humming always seem to work, for some strange reason. I didnt hum any real song, it was something I made up. She closed her eyes slowly as I hummed. That moment always made me forget all my worries and troubles. Little Masha soon fell asleep and I put her back next to her mother, always with a smile as I watched the two slumber in peace.

    I only hope things within the woods will get better, so this new cub can enjoy more peace in her life than I or Raisa have...


  • The destruction continues….

    We all ran for our lives through the cave. Each step the demon took, made the cave shake. It left footprints that left burns in the ground it stepped on. We eventually made it out, the towering abyssal figure following. I was tired of running from something threatening my home.

    "Fight it!" I yelled.

    I ran up to face it head on. It threw down a punch at me, and I put up my shield. It struck, and that blow nearly broke my arm, even with my shield up. It left itself wide open for a strike, so I slashed its legs with my sword. That didnt seem to bother it at all as it just threw down another punch. I ducked then struck again. It grew annoyed and just swung both its fists at me, hitting me directly. I nearly flew back at the blow. I suddenly felt sick, its hit had weakened me somehow. I decided better of it and just turned to run.

    We all ran around the forest, scattered, shooting darts, arrows, and bullets at it and running when it came close. It eventually chased us all the way to Norwick's southern gate. I felt less worried since Raisa had gone into the inner glenn. There she and our child where safe…

    ...at the gate, nothing was safe. It hurled balls of lightning at us, and made a fog which incased anyone who entered it in stone. Many of us became injured and we started to lose our strength. For some reason, it flew up into the sky and went south. It could have easily killed us all right there, but I guess it had other plans.

    Fadia wanted to go after it, alone. I tried to urge her to stay and rest, but she didnt listen. She went south, towards the old Circle. I hated her at that moment. I just wanted to bash her over the head and drag her into the town. Instead I ran to follow, until I heard something..

    "Your cub, Wolf" I skidded to a halt and stared ahead for a moment, then turned. There was Keira, smiling at me, "Good." I thought for a moment, then realized she was right. I wasnt going to throw my life away and fight something I couldnt defeat with just me and Fadia. Fadia stupidly ran off alone. Though why Keira cared about me or my cub, I didnt know. Maybe the rumors were wrong, maybe she is a good person.

    Anyway, it didnt matter, because the demon returned to the gate instead. It hurled down fire from the sky, creating fire on the ground. It was too high up for anyone to shoot with a bow or to throw a dart at. After its fire rage, it landed on the ground. Instead of running… everyone rushed at it head on. They cast healing magic, which seemed to hurt it greatly. Rary, Theaon, myself threw all healing we had at it, while the others continued to shoot their bows. I tried to get close and cast on it, but it swung around and hit me, interrupting me from my chant. Though Rary and Theaon were much more sucessful and it soon came down... though the last blow that brought it down was Laucian's arrow.

    It was finally defeated.. there was a battle after, near Skara's cave where we face hordes of piles of acidic goo... but the demon was the worst of it, I think. The only one to fall after all this had happened... was Fadia...

    ...she was brought back. I expected her to learn her lesson about just charging in, but that lesson is far from learned. Fadia is troubled, and I dont think there is anything I can do to help her.


  • Chapter 14: Destruction

    I had slept in, again. The usual Circle meeting was about to start. I ran to Norwick from Jiyyd. I found myself becoming a little more tired after the run, which made me feel old. Maybe it is just in my head. Anyway, I arrived at the south gate. There Raisa stood. I approached and she give me a faint smile.

    "There is a goblin mage. You should go to the west with Fadia and the others, love."

    I nodded, "You will be fine here?"

    "I should be."

    I gave her cheek a quick kiss and ran to the western Rawlins. In the farther region I met with Keira and two other men. Later I found out that one of them was named Corran, the other I did not remember. Keira grinned at me… which bothered me each time she did. Ever since I struck her for killing that white stag, she has spoken to me, when before she never did. It was strange, but she was helping us find the goblin mage that was causing trouble, so I didnt complain.

    "Where are others?" I asked.

    None of them seemed to know for sure, but they seemed to think that Fadia and the others were on the hill that was a bit further west. We checked, fending off the usual goblin mages, and those tougher ones with the axes. We didnt find them, but as we came down, I saw Ginger and Lucid run up, breathing heavily.

    Ginger yelled, "They captured Fadia! They took her east!"

    Sighing, thinking that Fadia seems to have attracted alot of trouble lately, I ran east with them. We stopped at Norwick's southern gate, where Ginger asked anyone there for more help. I continued to run east, I didnt think Fadia had much time left, so I tried to urge the others to hurry.

    Ginger followed the tracks into the deep eastern woods, where they lead into Skara's old cave. As the others were planning, I looked back and saw Raisa, just standing there. I was about to urge her to go to the glenn and stay safe, when I saw her expression. She looked determined or maybe angry. I swallowed my words, thinking it better not to start an argument now. 'Damn,' I thought to myself…

    ...we entered the cave. We fought off piles of... goo. It hurt to stomp them, it burned my bare feet. Maybe I should have listened to that paladin, Elenwyd, who always tried to get me to wear shoes. I wont tell her of this, so she doesnt bother me about it.

    We fought our way down to the Stegadon pen, where we saw several goblin shamans performing a ritual. I uttered a prayer and then they were all incased in stone. I only hoped I had interrupted it in time so they couldnt finish. Ginger and I ran to the Stegadon pen, where Fadia was being held. We killed the goblin guards and let her out...

    ...that is when the cave started to shake. Fadia was yelling that the goblin mage had took her sword, which was a blessed blade. The cave continued to shake. We urged her to leave with us, but she wanted desperately to get her sword. Raisa reminded Fadia that her life was more important than a "thing." More shaking. I started to get nervous, I was about ready to just pick up Fadia and carry her out. As we were about to leave, I saw red lights that the shamans had created in their ritual start to get bright. A very large figure appeared from the lights. It was as tall as a frost giant, with ugly brown skin, small ugly wings, and glowing red eyes.

    Everyone, almost at once, yelled "Run!"

    ((To be continued, when its not so late))


  • Chapter 13: Trust

    I wandered into the glenn, tired from recent adventures. Not so much tired physically, but mentally. There were things that made me think differently of my friends. I was about to head into the inner glenn, to check on Raisa, when Ronan stopped me,

    "Greetings Wolf" He offered a small smile.

    "Hi Ronan.."

    "You look tired. Been busy?"

    "Just ah.. some strange things."

    "Those strange things are pesky. Come, tell me about them." He sat down near the tree, motioning me to sit.

    "But Raisa-…"

    "She's asleep, I already checked." He smiled and patted the ground. "Im sure you want to let some things off your chest."

    I looked down at my chest, seeing if there was something on it. I had no idea what he meant. "Something on my chest?"

    "You know, tell me whats bothering you.. that sort of thing."

    "Oh.. um.. well the Yaun-ti-.."

    "Yaun-ti you say?" He interrupted me. "Yes, I heard Fadia complaining about them. And this Chaev- however you say it.. was causing a bit of trouble hm?"

    I nodded.

    "Well, is that all then?"

    I was too tired to talk, though I felt as if I needed to tell him, "Well no.. am just surprised at what some friends do."

    Ronan leaned forward, "What did they do?"

    "They listen to Yaun-ti. So quick to trust them. Not even think." I sighed, thinking back on what happened. I felt ashamed for what some of my group did, especially Star. Her mistake only made one of our enemies more powerful. I did my best to be nice to her, afterwards, biting back my anger. Though, at least she admitted she was wrong.

    "Ahhh, I see then. What did the Yaun-ti say exactly?"

    I explained to Ronan that the Yaun-ti had a way to trap the Dark Enchantress, or Chae, or whatever she is called. I dont care at all for her anyway. But still, for the group to trust those snakes so easily just frightens me. Some of the ones that wanted to help the Yaun-ti were protectors or friends of the Circle. I asked Ronan what I should do,

    "Just do what you think is right Wolf. Let Mielikki guide you as well. The balance is the most important thing. Im sure the Circle will find a way as well, just be ready to do what is needed to keep the balance in check."

    I nodded, then told Ronan good night and went into the inner glenn. I slipped inside the tent, where Raisa slept peacefully… I thought on what was said a while, then soon feel asleep...


  • Chapter 12: Time of Peace - Dark Rumors

    Things have been peaceful for the last few months. I think my belly is growing larger from relaxing too much. Though it is good to walk throughout Narfell without worrying about ghouls or something like that. I am finally married and I am enjoying it so much. This is how life should be: Simple, enjoyable, and relaxing. Some other of my friends seem to disagree. They are bored and want something exciting to happen. Sometimes I feel this way, but Im just used to many strange things happening around me.

    Recently, some strange things have been happening around me. During the past few meetings of the Circle, Fadia has mentioned rumors spreading of the Defiler returning. I remember the stories Fadia told of the Defiler and I was glad I wasnt there during those times. Im afraid, even if they are just rumors. Things Ive heard of corruption of druids during those times. What if that happened to me? I have proven Im weak minded already…. Touching a strange dagger made me go insane and nearly kill my friends. I dont want that to happen again.

    Im sure they are just probably rumors. Ive never really believed in any sort of rumor, unless I saw it for myself. Right now my main goal is to keep protecting the balance and keep Raisa happy. I think Im doing a very good job of both.


  • Chapter 11: Jail Time: Reflection on recent and passed events

    we now go into his thoughts, as if he had written them down on paper or in a journal. ((in other words, 1st person from now on))

    I dont know why humans, half-orcs, elves, and all the others hurt each other. They kill out of greed for a few shiney peaces of metal or a magical item. Some just like to torment others. This was the case with Grak, a half-orc who has a large mouth. At the inn in Jiyyd, he insulted my Circle who is like a family to me. I struck him without thinking, I just wanted to hurt him. Maybe Im becoming like all the other greedy humans who kill and hurt others just because of some words. Though, I got my necessary punishment, in Jiyyd's eyes. The Legion seemed to be happy I hit him, though they had to uphold law or some such.

    I sat in the jail cell… unable to sleep. It smelled. A few days passed, and then Raisa came to visit. We talked and then she told me a story. Im lucky to have her. When she left for her druid and spellweaver duties, I felt lonely. But, I cant ask her to stay and watch me in that cold place. Its only a few more days... a few more long days of no sleep..

    This incident reminded me of what I did to Keira. She killed a white stag, for no reason I guess. I struck her down without thinking as well. I should have warned her first, like I usually would. But it just made me so angry, and I couldnt hold it in. She said it "tasted better" to explain herself. I felt like hitting her again, but luckly I kept it inside. She did seem to want to know why I did strike her. I explained that it is a holy animal and even if it wasnt, you shouldnt kill and waste an animal.

    I dont think Keira will do it again, but from what I heard of her, she'll likely do it behind our backs. I can only hope she will prove all the rumors wrong. It is better to give others a chance then to just base judgement on rumors or talk. Such as Yolande. The Circle seems to hate and mistrust her. For what, I dont really know. She has been kind to me and seems uninterested in nothing else, except being my friend. I wish more were like Raisa or Yolande, then the world would be more peaceful.

    It is nearing my last day in the prison. Maybe Grak's cut didnt heal yet, but Theaon probably healed him. Theaon is a uh... honest man, I guess. I like him, even though he take me to jail. Is just his job to do so. He is one of the good ones.

    I thought about what I should do to Penny... forgive her? Or make her miserable while she waves at me with that big dumb smile. Maybe its better to move on, no more pooping on her bar as a wolf or bear. Ill just try to avoid her for now, until my anger passes. If it ever does...


  • Chapter 10: The Present

    Thinking that delving in the past was enough, like in previous chapters, Wolf decides to concentrate on the present times

    Things seem to be going down hill for his family. His family being the Circle. The newly named archdruid, Oreth, has suddenly left without giving any real reason. In his note he left, he said he does not want to be found and has severed his bond with Fadia. This angered Wolf to no end. He could not imagine how Fadia must feel, and does not know how to help her. All he can do is be there for her and do his best to keep the Circle alive.

    Along with Oreth's dissapearance, is the Thayan's sudden appearance. Not that they effect him directly, but they make Raisa bitter. Never is there a moment's peace when Thayans are around. There is constant fighting between the two lovers. Wolf doesnt know why she acts the way she does around them, but it seems he doesnt understand what they have done to her and her people. He tries to keep her calm, but sometimes fails, and when he does, it just gives him stress. It always has passed, but this time, it seems the Thayans are doing something horrible.

    Coupled with Oreth's dissapearance, Wolf has none he can turn to. Turn to for advice. All his other friends are too busy. Ragnhild with her child, Zoma with the guardians, Lilin….well Lilin is just strange and smells like fish. But, for once in Wolf's life, he is looking on the bright side of things: All this will pass and be but a memory in time.


  • Chapter 9: A drunk party

    Wolf came through the south gates, weary of his patrol of the woods. He found nothing unusual, though he did not venture deeper. He wandered about, looking for any friends. Empty. Not a soul in sight. It was, however, the middle of the night. Everyone had gone to bed…

    ...save for a few. Wolf wandered into the Boarshead. It was loud. Men were laughing and drinking ale, women were dancing, even on the tables. Some of the people stared at him. He did look sort of odd wearing dirty old armor, no shoes, and heavily armed. The druid rubbed the back of his neck, wondering why some of them were staring at him...

    'Ey! Lookie here. We got ourselves a begger!

    Wolf looked over at a table that had many men seated at it. Some women hovered around, trying to entertain or bring them ale faster then the men could drink it.

    Maybe he could use a drink eh? The men cheered. Have a sit ya silly arse!

    Some men behind Wolf pushed him toward the table and into a chair, laughing. 'Ey… ya look kinda famliar. Aye! I know! Ya were at fight night eh? Didnt ya get the shite beat outta ya by some guy wearin a bee costume?

    Um….

    He doesnt even remember. Ha! What a farker…

    Think I need to go..

    No no! Stay with us. Ya'll have a much betta time with us. Look! We got all the women!

    Before Wolf could stand, a young woman plopped into his lap, Hey hun. Lets say you and me getta room tonight. She ran her finger along his cheek. Wolf gently tried to push her out of his lap, but as he did so, the woman started to kiss him. He forcefully pushed her off of him and stood.

    Dont.

    The woman stood and slapped Wolf across the face, then stomped up the stairs to the rooms.

    The fark's your problem? Ya dont treat women like that. The man motioned around. Boys, teach him some manners.

    Wolf reflexively drew his ice sword. Ice dripping off its sharp edge. At that time, a guard walked in.

    Whats going on here? Heard a disturbance.

    No shoe's hear threatenin' to kill everyone! Crazy beggar I tell ya.

    The guard looked at Wolf. Have to ask you to leave son.

    Wolf didnt bother to argue. He wanted to get out of there as soon as he could. He seathed his sword and went south, back to the woods. Sitting in the glenn he thought to himself, So this is how they live in the towns and cities…


  • Chapter 8: Gifts Lost

    Some things are lost and you dont even know it, or why. Not material things, but other types of things. Sanity or faith can be lost…

    Wolf had heard of drow cutting off the ears of groups of travelers and adventurers in the pass. He offered to regenerate them back on, if the said person had their ear with them. One traveler had his ear, and so, Wolf offered to put it back in place. He prayed for the blessing of regeneration, and he has received this blessing before, but not this time. It did not come, instead he just felt exausted, like it was beyond him to even ask for such a thing from his goddess. The traveler went on with a curse and without an ear.

    Though, Wolf had regained some of his muscle back, from rigerous training in the woods. His death took its tole on his body, making him feel very weak. His old strength returned, physically.

    Though, his blessings and healing capabilities have drastically lowered. He could no longer call upon lightning, either, because if he tried it would exaust him to death, literally. Mielikki seemed to be punishing him.

    For what? Perhaps its because he made deals with undead and vampires. Giving the vile creatures what they wanted, which was Rary's blood. Wolf said it was to protect and save others, but no, deep down it was for his own personal and selfish reasons. Rary protected him from several mobs, when the mobs sought to kill Wolf, during the time of the dagger. The druid betrayed Rary, letting him die to the vampires. Why? Because he blamed Rary for something else, when actually, it wasn't the elf's fault. Wolf thought about asking for forgiveness, but Rary would not speak to him, so it would be of no use. Perhaps the druid will conjure the courage to ask one day.

    Lucidious thought it was the right decision, to let Rary fall. As he said, "It was by Corellon's hand that it happened Wolf." Which made Wolf feel a little better, but he knew it was still a wrong decision. Fadia had said it was wrong, because undead are to be slain and put to rest. They are not natural and abominations on this world.

    It was a mistake. Wolf said he would never betray friends and never become an "evil human." It seems he broke both promises.


  • Chapter 7: Hatred

    Arriving in the glenn, brushing off some goblin from his foot, Wolf layed down at his favorite spot by the log. He quickly fell asleep, as he always does. No one else was there with him, except Tila, who slept under the platform near the altar. She seemed to be pregnant and was going to have little wolf cubs soon. It was quiet, and soon, Wolf was lost in his dreamworld….

    He stood in the middle of some island, only it wasnt surrounded by water. It was a small circular island and on all of its sides where cliffs, that lead thousands of feet into the dark chasms below. Whispers could be heard echoing throughout the chasms.

    He peered down, seing nothing but blackness below. As he turned, he saw someone standing in the middle.

    "Hi?"

    The figure turned. Wolf's eyes grew wide, because the figure was himself, but different somehow. It had a smirk on its face and its arms were crossed.

    "Hello again." It said.

    "Um…"

    "What? Havent seen yourself before?"

    The real Wolf scratched his head in confusion, "This is dream."

    "Yes, it is, but this dream serves a purpose"

    Wolf tilted his head, waiting for himself to speak.

    "You dont know do you? Im an old friend. Remember? Or did those trolls stomp your head too hard?" It chuckled menacingly.

    "This just dream. You're gone, in past." Wolf realized who or what it was in front of him.

    "Think again! Ahaha! Think I'd let you go that easy? No no. You're still mine. And, as my property, you have to do something for me."

    Wolf shook his head, gritting his teeth, trying to wake up. It began to speak some more, "Dont worry, you'll like what I want you to do. You'll LOVE it."

    "Wont hurt anyone…"

    "Yes, you will hurt this person. You've always wanted to, dreamed and fanticized about it. Yeeeesss…. her. Her! The one who destroyed your child!"

    Wolf covered his ears, but its words still came through: "Think about it Wolf. She recklessly fell in battle, carrying your child. Or should I say… your cub. Hm hm. The child was to be yours, not hers and she took it from you."

    "Shutup!"

    "Ohh… am I upsetting you? Im very sorry, but I can help you. Just go up to her, when her back is turned, and run your ice sword into her back! Or better yet, keep her alive, but dont allow her to have children anymore. Since she cant even keep one alive for two weeks. And when its done, just blame me! You'll be forgiven eventually. Just say it was ME. People will sympathize with you."

    Wolf clenched his fist in anger, but it wasnt at the thing talking in front of him… "No!" He shook it off. He actually found himself considering it for a moment there. He charged at the image of himself in front of him, swinging his fist to hit it in the face. When Wolf hit the image of himself, he felt a pain in his face.

    "Dont hurt yourself. That wont do any good." It laughed loudly.

    Wolf stood, and looked around. He dashed to an edge of the island and leaped off. As he fell, he heard it say one more thing, "Satisfy your hate!"

    Awaking to suddenly, he sat up and looked around. He put a hand on his sweaty forhead. Tila was standing there, looking at him like he was crazy. She gave him a lick on the face and curled up into a ball beside him.

    He decided not to tell anyone about this dream, because… it was just a dream. Nothing important. No need to worry anyone or start another hunt on him, like before. He sighed and tried to forget about it. He soon fell asleep again, and had a wonderful dream about being in a pack of wolves....


  • Chapter 6: Strange Feeling

    Another fight night, hosted by Lucidious. A good opportunity for Wolf to just forget his troubles and have a good time with his friends. There were many that attented this fight night, many friends to talk with. But not everyone was a "friend."

    He saw Penny in her skimpy outfit. Some of her dragon scales can clearly be seen. Wolf shivered to himself at the sight, shaking out disturbing thoughts from his head. She was just carrying on, like the whole world was just one big playground for her to do whatever she wanted in. He longed to just walk up to her and hit her, but that wasnt him. Maybe its time to move on, he thought. It was, afterall, getting old to torment her and ruin her night. He wouldnt let it ruin his night either, so he challenged Grog to a bear fight to let out some agression.

    The half orc could take a beating. Wolf, who was shifted as a bear, kept Grog pinned for quite some time, but Grog kept fighting dispite all the scratches and bruises. The bear eventually won , but a little longer, and he would have collapsed from exaustion. It was a fight Wolf learned much from.

    After a few fights, he saw Raisa and Fadia off in the distance. He walked over and smiled to them… though Fadia seemed troubled. She told him not to trust Yolande and that she would try to manipulate him into giving her something. Wolf didnt see what Yolande would want from him, except a friend. Though, Raisa did bring up the "dagger." This made him extremely annoyed, but he did his best to hide it. He was tired of hearing about the dagger. It was gone, done, never to return, but he didnt know that for sure and that is why it annoyed him so...

    ...Lucidious called the magic only fights. Raisa entered. Wolf was curious to see what she could truly do with her talents, since he didnt see her in battle much. She did well against one mage and then had to face Hedia. This worried him a bit since Hedia's connection with her goddess was strong. The fight was underway, but during the middle of the fight, something happened...

    ...darkness surrounded the arena. Wild magic seemed to be taking effect. Wolf had seen wild magic do many things, such as create fire storms, demons, strip souls from innocents, undead, and all other things of that nature. He ran into the darkness, fearing what could happen to Raisa. He felt around for her, cursing that he hadn't prepared a blessing to allow him to see in magical darkness. He felt and felt and then... touched something fuzzy. Some of the darkness parted and there was a small female wolf standing near him.

    Wolf? It whimpered.

    …Raisa?

    His eyes grew wide and he had a sudden wierd feeling in his stomach. She was a wolf, his mate. This sent thoughts running through his head. He had dreamed of having his own pack and living life as just a wolf. Now, "she" was one too. He was almost happy, but this wasnt what he truly wanted or was it? He didnt know. It was all so confusing. She started running around and being.. well.. wolfish. She couldnt control herself. Couldnt seperate instinct from her own mind.

    Thinking for long moments, Wolf eventually dispelled the magic that was on her, returning her to normal. Her and all the others who were turned into animals because of wild magic. He now looks back and smiles to himself at the event. The little Raisa wolf would be imbedded in his mind for some time…


  • Chapter 5: Memories returned

    After some discussions with Oreth and Raisa, Wolf did decide to get his memories returned. What was said in the discussions? It does not matter much now. He is now happily with Raisa again and in the Circle.

    Old friends also are happy Wolf now actually remembers them. Was selfish of me even think of abandoning them, he thought, now to make things right again. He was eager to rejoin in the Circle's activities and forget about what happened. He was also eager to marry Raisa. Wolf surprised she hadn't left him yet: Leaving before without a possibility of coming back, the dark dagger that consumed his mind and nearly made him strangle her, and now this.

    Maybe it was a lesson, to treasure the memories you have and the ones that will be made. Hopefully in time our young druid will actually learn a lesson, but thats to be known on his further adventures within Narfell…


  • Chapter 4: Troubled past (cont.)

    ..he set out into the woods, carrying a brass sword and shield he had found under the platform in the glenn. He decided to use these to fight his way through the goblins and into the town known as Norwick. Having been "gone" for a few months he did not know how to fight all too well. He entered the town, badly wounded, and the guards chuckled at him. One of them kicked Wolf in the rear and shut the gate behind him, "Get in there boy! Dont want a whole farkin army comin in here do ya?!"

    This sort of thing went on for the next few weeks. He met his "old" friends which had seen before but… didnt really see before, according to him. Seeing the upset expressions made him think staying in the "Circle" with Oreth and Raisa was not a good idea. There were nightmares of memories, he knew they were memories because they looked and felt so real. They couldnt have been just dreams.

    He told Raisa about them and how he wanted to get his new memories erased so he can go back to staying a wolf permenantly. There was yelling outside the southern gate of Norwick... a blathering of the druidic language. None of it was important, it was, after all, a couple arguing, like most do. The guards peeked through the hole in the gate and sometimes chuckled at the druids as they yelled at each other. Eventually, Wolf walked off to the east, while Raisa lay at the base of the tree. She stood and entered Norwick alone.

    Damn! Why does this happen to me? Why did I stray from my pack? This wouldnt have happened. Im going back, but after this Oreth answers a few questions. A sick thing they have done to me, with their… strange magic stuff. Making me think I was two leg or ever had just two legs. Ack!

    He held the piece of sleeve he cut off from Raisa, just before he left. He cut it off in case he wanted to find her again, because it had her scent on it. He stared at it a long moment. The breeze blew it from his hand, he didnt bother to get it. He already knew her scent, even before he was turned human. Sighing, he turned and took a nap at the base of the altar, hoping to dream something good.


  • Chapter 4: Troubled past

    Oreth and Raisa had tried to help Wolf remember his old home. The Rawlins, the towns, its folk, and especially the glenn. Nothing really came to him. Old friends would shout his name, "wolf" or "Wolfy." Yet, he knew none of these people. Whenever they would try to talk to him, he would ask "Who are you?" Some would get angry, or sad, or upset. One even thought it was a sick joke Wolf was playing.

    What really made Wolf depressed is that this raven woman had to drag him around everywhere. She met some people who spoke differently each time, some people in colorful outfits (how could they hide from prey or predator in the woods?). He had no idea what the raven woman or her friends would be talking about, so he wandered about, often the raven haired woman having to whistle him over like some pet.

    At the end of the day, she looked exausted and fell asleep almost instantly in the glenn. Wolf slept a distance, unsure if she was truly a friend or not. At times he wanted to get closer, but then she rolled over in her sleep and it scared him half to death. Other times more two legs would come in and sleep there. He kept very still and quiet under the platform.

    When morning came, the day would repeat. The raven haired woman had other business to do, so he decided to sneak out when she was sleeping and explore a bit…


  • Chapter 3: Defeated

    The naked man dove at Oreth in anger and frustration. But, being naked and weaponless, was little match for the experience druid. The man saw Oreth's musles boulge out of nowhere, when they looked small when he first saw him.

    Too ashamed to remember the rest of the fight, the man forgot about it, only remembering up to the point where Oreth had his boot on the exposed man's chest. Perhaps now how exactly it was remembered, but, "I am now the alpha. This is your new pack mate,'' Oreth pointed at a short woman with raven like hair, who would be later known as Raisa. What the man thought of her at first was just another enemy, out to get him and ruin him. Maybe hunters… and their tricks. What some alphas call m-magic, he thought to himself. He dared not to fight anymore with this Oreth, for fear of death, so he just did what he was told, like a normal Alpha might command. But what Oreth said next really frightened him, "You will only allowed to turn into a wolf when you remember something yourself and us. Come to me when you have remembered." Oreth walked off to slumber, while this Raisa dragged the utterly confused man around the camp…

    The raven woman seemed angry, sad and happy at the same time. It only saddened her more when he said he didnt know who she was. This same sort of thing would happen with many encounters throughout the Region "Wolf" has lived in for these years.


  • Chapter 2: Reincarnation

    A small grey wolf awaken in the forests near the gypsy camps. The dire wolves were always too rough to play with or even to challenge them for their title as malpha, or as just a plane caretaker for the cubs. The lone grey wolf waited his patiently his turn to eat. After an hour or so, the rest was left over…

    The little grey wolf picked at what he could. Being new into this pack, he had last share of the pack's hunts. The adult wolves were teaching him to become strong and to hunt with ferioucity and no mercy to its victim. Becaus, if you were merficul, the potential dinner could run away. One day, the small grey wolf grew bored of the day and started to wander off....

    He sniffed and sniffed the ground, in search for famliliar smelly food. But what he smelt was different from prey, it was those long two legs that came around the fires. Maybe a small one.. and I can bring it back to pack and show them. Even though the Alpha male in his pack said to stay clear of these types of wolves (The two legs). For they would cut you up and use your fur as a bed, or put your head on one of their walls!

    The little grey wolf stalked in, heard some utter their strange languages. He looked for a cub, or one of the wounded bigger ones. After an about an hour, little grey wolf gave up. When he turned he saw a man covered in scails and some strange head with horns. He spoke to little grey wolf, saying he was a friend and that he was a part of a pack that missed him. But, none in my pack are.. two legs, little grey wolf thought himself.

    The little grey, frightened, ran off…

    The scaled man in the headdress mumbled a bit, and pointed at the small grey. The grey formed into a naked man, who stood there wide eyed and just stared at Oreth...